; 


•-  . r,  * j 

A 

DISCOURSE, 


DELIVERED  AT  THE 

AFRICAN  MEETING-HOUSE,  IN  BOSTON, 
Juiu  14,  1808 , 


GRATEFUL  CELEBRATION 


OF  THE 

abolition  of  tin  African  §&la\)e*'€rabe, 

BY  THE  GOVERNMENTS  OF  THE 

United  States,  Great  Britain  and  Denmark • 




BY  JEDIDIAH  MORSE,  D.  D. 

Pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Charlestown. 


SECOND  EDITION. 


OBofifton : 

PRINTED  BY  LINCOLN  & EDMANDS,  NO.  53,  CORNHILL. 


1808. 


; ::  : ••  -■  * - • ((\ 


{■ ' 


. 


::  r . * \ 

\j  •.  •.  .a 


'■I ; ' 


Digitized  by  the  internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


https://archive.org/details/discoursedeliverOOmors 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


THE  following  discourse  was  written,  preached,  and  published 
at  the  request  of  the  Africans  and  their  descendants  in  Boston, 
amounting  to  about  twelve  hundred  souls,  among  whom  originated 
the  proposal  of  keeping  a day  of  Thanksgiving  in  commemoration 
of  the  Abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade.  A number  of  gentlemen, 
who  had  for  several  years  past  supported  and  patronized  a school 
for  the  children  of  these  Africans,  and  who  were  applied  to  for  the 
purpose,  favoured  the  pious  design,  and  pledged  their  aid  and  coun- 
tenance in  carrying  it  into  effect.  With  the  express  approbation 
of  his  Excellency,  Gov,  Sullivan,  and  the  Selectmen  of  Bos- 
ton, about  two  hundred  people  of  colour  marched\in  procession, 
through  Several  streets,  to  the  African  meeting  house,  where  di- 
vine service  Was  performed,  in  presence  of  a full  and  devout  as- 
sembly ; among  whom  were  a number  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the 
neighbouring  towns.  The  religious  services,  beside  the  sermon, 
were  performed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Blood,  Rev,  Mr.  Channing, 
and  Mr.  Cod  man.  The  music,  prepared  and  performed  principal- 
ly by  the  people  of  colour,  was  appropriate  and  excellent.  The 
religious  exercises,  and  the  subsequent  festivities  of  the  day,  were 
attended  and  conducted  with  a degree  of  seriousness,  sobriety,  or- 
der and  decency,  highly  creditable  to  these  Africans. 

At  the  close  of  divine  service  a collection  was  made  for  the  benefit 
of  their  poor,  whose  numbers  and  necessities  are  not  small ; for 
which  purpose  also,  any  profits,  which  may  arise  from  the  sale  of 
this  discourse,  are  devoted. 


Boston,  July  15,  1808. 

AT  a meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the  Africans  and  descent 
dants  of  Africans  in  Boston , 

Voted— -That  Fortune  Symmes , Peter  Gust  and  Cyrus  Vassal!, 
be  a committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Dr.  Morse,  and  in  the  name 
of  “ The  African  Society,”  to  thank  him  for  his  Discourse  de- 
livered before  them,  at  their  request,  on  the  Subject  of  the 
“Abolition  of  the  Slave-Trade,”  and  request  a copy  for  the 
press. 


Cyrus  Vassall,  Secretary. 


A 


DISCOURSE. 


INTRODUCTION. 

“ GOD,  who  made  the  world,  hath  made  of  one 
blood  all  nations  of  men,  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the 
earth  ; and  hath  determined  the  bounds  of  their  hab- 
itations.”* The  doctrine,  that  God  “created  differ- 
ent kinds  of  men  at  first,  according  to  the  nature  of 
the  climate  in  which  they  were  to  live”f  is  as  contra- 
ry to  sound  philosophy,  as  to  scripture.  Our  civil  con- 
stitutions recognize  the  doctrine,  that  “All  men  are 
born  free  and  equal,  and  have  certain  natural,  essen- 
tial, and  unalienable  rights ; among  which  are  the 
right  of  enjoying  and  defending  their  rights  and  liber- 
ties ; that  of  acquiring,  possessing,  and  protecting 
property ; and  that  comprehensive  one  of  seeking  and 
obtaining  their  safety  and  happiness.  In  accord- 
ance with  this  doctrine,  slavery  is  with  consistency 
abolished  by  the  Constitution  of  this  Common- 
wealth. This  doctrine,  of  the  freedom  and  equality 
of  men,  however,  is  not  to  be  so  construed,  as  to 
militate  with  that  order  and  subordination  in  society, 

* Acts  xvii.  26. 

i See  Lord  Kahns’  Discourse  on  the  original  diversity  of  mankind, 
•Mid  President  Smith’s  Strictures  upon  it. 

■t  Constitution  of  Massachusetts, 


G 


which  is  indispensable  to  its  peace,  nay,  to  its  veryex- 
istence. 

“ Order  is  heaven’s  first  law,  and  this  confest, 

“ Some  are  and  mast  be  greater  than  the  rest.” 

Distinctions  of  rank  and  condition  in  life  are  requi- 
site to  the  perfection  of-  the  social  state.  There 
must  be  rulers  and  subjects,  masters  and  servants, 
rich  and  poor.  The  human  body  is  not  perfect  with- 
out all  its  members,  some  of  which  are  more  hon- 
ourable than  others ; so  it  is  with  the  body  politic. 
There  is  nevertheless  a kind  of  equality  among  the 
members:  all  are  free;  all  are  useful  and  necessary; 
all  are  to  be  regarded  and  honoured  according  to  their 
station  and  use. 

But  notwithstanding  all  men  are  thus  made  of  one 
blood,  and  are  born  free  and  equal,  there  does  in  fact 
exist  a great  diversity,  not  only  in  their  complexion, 
but  also  in  their  civil,  social,  moral,  and  religious 
state.  This  diversity  is  occasioned  by  a variety  of 
co-operating  causes,  originating  from  the  fall  of  man, 
and  strengthened  by  the  wickedness,  which  over- 
spreads the  world.  In  the  wisdom  of  that  infinite 
Being,  who  “ cause th  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise 
him  ; who  maketh  poor,  and  maketh  rich  ; who  bring- 
eth  low’,  and  lifteth  up  ;”  this  diversity  in  the  condi- 
tions of  men  is  made  subservient  to  his  glory,  and  their 
ultimate  benefit.  The  world  is  governed  by  its  all  wise 
Creator,  in  a manner  suited  to  its  fallen  condition. 

From  the  early  ages  of  the  world  slavery,  in  some 
form,  and  in  different  degrees  of  severity,  has  ex- 
isted among  men.  It  is  recognized  and  wisely 
restrained  and  regulated  in  the  laws  of  Moses. 
It  was  practised  in  Greece,  and  also  among  the 
Romans,  even  in  the  Augustan  age,  with  shock- 


7 


ing  inhumanity. # It  has  been  practised  by  several 
nations,  whose  slaves  have  been  the  unoffending  na- 
tives of  Africa,  forced  from  their  beloved  homes,  and 
all  that  was  dear  to  them  in  this  life,  by  mercenaries 
employed  for  the  inhuman  purpose.  But  wherever 
slavery  exists,  and  this  species  of  it  especially,  it  indi- 
cates a corrupt  state  of  society,  and  mars  the  beauty 
of  the  body  politic.  It  thrives  only  on  the  vices  of 
mankind.  It  cannot  subsist  in  a pure  and  whole- 
some state  of  society.  Its  abolition,  therefore,  by 
any  community,  who  have  long  supported  and  en- 
couraged it,  indicates  returning  health  in  that  commu- 
nity, and  furnishes  just  ground  for  rejoicing.  Every 
step  toward  such  an  event  gladdens  the  heart  of  the 
Christian  philanthropist. 

Measures  of  vast  magnitude,  and  extensive  influ- 
ence, having  for  their  object  the  gradual  and  ultimate 
extinction  of  African  slavery,  wre  are  invited  this  day 
gratefully  to  recognize  and  commemorate.  Within  a 
short  period,  three  powerful  nations,  Great  Britain, 
Denmark,  and  the  United  States  of  America,  all  for 
many  years  deeply  concerned  in  the  African  slave 
trade,  have  agreed  to  its  abolition.  In  Great  Britain, 
this  grand  measure,  so  interesting  to  the  friends  of  jus- 
tice, humanity  and  religion,  and  so  honorable  to  the 
laborious  and  persevering  exertions  of  Mr.  Wilber- 
force,  was  effected  on  the  25th  of  March,  18G7  ; and 
in  consequence,  a day  of  Thanksgiving  was  celebrat- 
ed, by  the  pious  friends  of  this  measure,  in  the  follow- 
ing June.f  About  the  same  time  a similar  measure 
was  adopted  by  the  government  of  Denmark.  In 

'■*  Notes  on  Virginia,  p.  235,  236,  London  Edition, 
f See  Note  (A.) 


8 


the  United  States,  their  Constitution  of  1789  provide 
ed,  that  this  traffic  in  human  flesh  might  be  abolished 
in  1808  ; and  a law  of  Congress,  passed  in  the  winter 
of  1806 — 7 at  the  recommendation  of  the  Presi- 
dent,* took  prohibitory  effect,  in  reference  to  this 
traffic,  the  first  day  of  the  present  year. 

These  are  the  events,  which  have  led  to  the  ap- 
pointment of  this  day  of  public  religious  Thanks- 
giving to  God,  by  those  of  you,  who  from  your  past 
experience  can  feel  for  your  African  brethren ; and 
we  are  invited  to  assist  in  the  good  work.  We  can- 
not but  commend  your  piety  to  God,  and  the  deep  in- 
terest you  take  in  what  so  nearly  concerns  the  happi- 
ness of  millions  of  your  kindred  in  Africa.  Cheerful- 
ly and  cordially  do  we  join  with  you  in  these  religious 
services.  These  events  cannot  fail  to  fill  every  good 
man’s  heart,  of  whatever  colour,  rank  or  nation,  with 
gratitude  and  joy.  All  must  join  in  ascriptions  of 
praise  to  God,  who  hath  disposed  the  hearts  of  the 
rulers  of  these  nations  to  abolish  a traffic,  so  incom- 
patible with  the  laws  of  our  religion,  and  so  disgrace- 
ful to  humanity.  We  therefore  highly  commend 
the  appointment  of  this  day  to  be  spent  in  religious  joy 
and  festivity,  in  commemoration  of  events  so  pro- 
pitious to  the  hitherto  unhappy  tribes  of  Africa,  and 
to  the  prosperity  of  the  three  nations,  who  have  at 
length  been  persuaded  to  be  just  to  this  much  injured 
part  of  their  fellowmen.  Gladly  shall  I contribute 
all  in  my  power  to  turn  these  exercises  to  the  social, 
moral,  and  especially  to  the  religious  advantage,  of  all 
present ; of  those  particularly  by  whose  invitation  we 
are  now  assembled.  For  this  purpose  I shall  invite 


* See  Note  (B.) 


9 

m • • o 6 \ 

your  attention  to  the  declaration  of  our  blessed  Sa- 
viour, recorded  in  the  gospel  according  to 

john  ch.  viii.  v.  36. 

IF  THE  SON  THEREFORE  SHALL  MAKE  YOU 
FREE,  YE  SHALL  BE  FREE  INDEED. 

The  world  lieth  in  wickedness,  and  is  subjected 
to  a great  variety  of  evils,  both  natural  and  moral* 
Man,  who  ought  to  be  the  friend  of  man,  is  his  en- 
emy and  oppressor.  One  half  of  the  human  race, 
probably  a much  greater  proportion,  are  in  bondage 
of  one  kind  or  another,  to  the  rest.  Crimes,  captivi- 
ty, and  debt,  subject  many  to  the  absolute  control  of 
others.  The  slavery  which  originates  from  these 
causes  is  deemed  consistent  with  the  law  of  nature ; 
but  should  always  cease  when  the  laws,  which  author- 
ise it  in  these  several  cases,  are  satisfied.*  The 
conquerors  and  tyrants  of  the  earth,  in  violation  of 
the  laws  of  nature  and  of  God,  hold  millions  more  in 
subjection  to  their  will.  There  is  another  species  of 
slavery,  still  more  degrading  to  human  nature,  more 
offensive  to  God,  and  detestable  in  the  sight  of  good 
men ; it  is  that  which  makes  the  unoffending  inhabit- 
ants of  one  country,  together  with  their  posterity,  not 
only  the  servants,  but  the  property  of  the  inhabitants  of 
another  country ; and  this  for  no  better  reason,  than 
to  gratify  their  sloth,  ambition,  and  avarice.  In  this 
kind  of  slavery,  thousands  upon  thousands  of  our  Af- 
rican brethren,  and  their  descendants,  have  for  a long 
succession  of  years  been  annually  involved.  But  the 
worst  species  of  slavery,  the  most  debasing  to  human 

B 

* Paley’s  Philosophy.  Art.  Slavery. 


10 


nature,  and  the  most  abominable  in  the  sight  of  God, 
is  yet  to  be  mentioned — it  is  the  slavery  of  sin.  Ev- 
ery other  species  of  slavery  respects  the  body  only. 
The  soul  is  left  free.  This  divine  principle  man  can- 
not enslave.  But  the  slavery  of  sin  reaches  the  soul, 
as  well  as  the  body,  and  subjects  the  whole  man  to 
the  most  degrading  and  fatal  bondage.  In  this  slave- 
ry, the  whole  human  race,  without  a single  exception, 
are  by  nature  involved. 

Such  is  the  state  of  mankind.  Millions  are  in  dif- 
ferent kinds  of  slavery  to  each  other  : All  by  nature 
are  slaves  to  sin.  In  this  most  deplorable  condition 
the  benignant  eye  of  God  beheld  our  fallen  race ; his 
bowels  moved  with  compassion  at  the  sight ; he  sent 
his  only  begotten  Son  to  redeem  them  ; investing  him 
with  power  to  make  and  to  pronounce  them  free. 
And  whosoever  he  maketh  free,  is  free  indeed. 

Let  us  contemplate  the  joys  of  freedom.  The  un- 
fortunate debtor , unable  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  his 
creditors,  is  constrained  to  resign  his  liberty,  and  to 
close  his  doors.  His  prospects  of  worldly  enjoyment 
vanish.  Instead  of  plenty  and  joy  in  his  once  happy 
family  are  poverty,  sadness,  and  weeping.  He  relin- 
quishes his  pleasant  mansion,  and  all  that  appertained 
to  it,  to  other  owners ; and  retires  to  an  humbler  dwel- 
ling, not  his  own, — perhaps  to  a prison.  Mortifying 
change ! But  his  creditors  are  merciful  men.  They 
speak  kindly  to  him.  They  restore  him  to  liberty ; to 
credit  and  reputation ; to  useful  employment : shall  I 
add,  to  life.  To  such  a man,  how  grateful  are  the 
blessings  of  freedom ! 

Behold  the  criminal , whom  justice  sentences  to  con- 
finement and  labour,  torn  from  a family  whose  afflic- 


11 


tions  are  deepened  by  disgrace,  and  carried  to  prison. 
See  him  stripped  of  his  usual  apparel,  and  clad  in  gar, 
ments,  which  continually  remind  him  of  his  crime  and 
degradation.  See  him  sad  and  pale  in  the  solitary  cell, 
separated  from  society,  and  left  to  fulfil  the  painful  duty 
of  reflecting  on  his  past  life.  F ollovv  him  into  the  work- 
shop, among  his  companions  in  crime  and  suffering. 
Slow  and  tedious  pass  the  days  of  his  punishment.  At 
length  they  expire  ; the  law  is  satisfied ; the  prison 
doors  are  opened,  and  he  is  once  more  a free  man. 
Still  more,  he  is  a penitent,  and  Christ  hath  made  him 
free  indeed.  His  heart  leaps  for  joy.  He  has  felt,  that 
“ the  way  of  transgressors  is  hard.”  He  values 
more  than  ever,  the  blessings  of  society  and  freedom. 

Think  of  the  captive  in  a foreign  land,  far  removed 
from  all  his  relations  and  friends  ; perhaps  among  bar- 
barians, in  chains,  at  hard  labour,  or  in  a loathsome 
prison.  He  groans,  and  sighs,  and  weeps  in  secret ; he 
has  none  to  pity  him.  He  feels  the  sickness,  which 
arises  from  hope  deferred .*  But  he  is  not  forgotten  by 
Him,  who  heareth  “the  groaning  of  the  prisoner,  and 
who  looseth  those  who  are  appointed  unto  death. ”f 
His  ransom  is  received.  His  liberty  is  proclaimed. 
He  returns  to  his  native  land ; to  the  embraces  of 
his  friends.  Who  can  describe  their  joys  ? 

Turn  your  attention  to  a more  affecting  scene.  How 
shall  I describe  it  ? When  I contemplate  it  my  heart 
revolts ; my  hand  trembles.  What  do  I behold ! A 
traffic  in  human  bodies  and  human  souls  ! And  this 
traffic  carried  on  year  after  year,  century  after  centu- 
ry, by  the  countenance  and  authority  (I  blush  while  I 
declare  it)  of  Christian  nations  ! ! Yes,  Christian 


* Prov.  xiii.  12. 


| Psa.  cii.  20. 


12 


nations  ; nations  too,  boasting  their  love  of  freedom, 
and  ready  to  shed  the  last  drop  of  their  blood  for  its 
protection  ! ! What  inconsistency  ! What  a reproach 
to  the  Christian  name  and  profession  ! 

Imagine  the  arrival  of  a slave  ship , on  the  African 
coast,  fitted  by  the  ingenuity  of  wicked  men,  for  the 
abominable  traffic,  with  all  her  horrid  implements  on 
board.  The  first  act  of  the  merciless  officers  is  to 
excite  the  unoffending  natives  to  “ war  and  depredation 
for  the  sake  of  supplying  their  contracts,  or  furnishing 
the  market  with  slaves.”  This  is  but  the  beginning  of 
wickedness.  Next,  the  unhappy,  agonizing  slaves, 
“ torn  away  from  parents,  wives,  children,  from  their 
friends  and  companions,  their  fields  and  flocks,  their 
home  and  country,”  are  hurried  on  ship-board,  loaded 
with  irons,  crowded  together,  and  with  accommoda- 
tions less  convenient,  than  are  usually  provided  for 
brutes,  transported  to  a far  distant  land,  without  hope 
of  return.  “ This  is  the  second  stage  of  cruelty ; 
from  which  the  wretched  exiles  are  delivered  only  to  be 
placed,  and  that  for  life,  in  subjection  to  a dominion 
and  system  of  laws,  the  most  merciless  and  tyranni- 
cal, that  were  ever  tolerated  upon  the  face  of  the 
earth ; and  executed  by  the  English  slave-holder,  es- 
pecially, with  rigour  and  brutality.”*  I leave  to  im- 
agination to  paint  the  cruelties,  the  enormities,  endur- 
ed by  the  poor  slaves,  under  such  laws,  in  the  hands  of 
such  masters.  Oh  slavery,  if  in  thy  best  disguise, 
thy  mildest  form,  “thou  art  a bitter  draught,”  how 
bitter  must  thou  be  in  the  form  now  before  us ! — 
“ Can  the  liberties  of  a nation” — I now  use  the 
language  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  who  from  his  youth  has 

* Paley’s  Philosophy,  p.  160.  Eng.  Edit.  Art.  Slavery. 


13 


been  a Witness  of  the  evils  and  wickedness'  of  African 
slavery — “ Can  the  liberties  of  a nation  bethought  se- 
cure, when  we  have  removed  their  only  firm  basis, 
a conviction  in  the  minds  of  the  people,  that  these  lib- 
erties are  the  gift  of  God  ? That  they  are  not  to  be 
violated  but  with  his  wrath  ? Indeed  I tremble  for  my 
country,”  (and  well  might  all  concerned  in  this  detes- 
table traffic  tremble  with  him)  “ when  I reflect,  that 
God  is  just,  and  that  his  justice  cannot  sleep  forever.”* 
But  praised  be  God,  the  uplifted  arm  of  Almighty 
vengeance  has  been  arrested.  The  cries  of  these  slaves 
have  “ entered  into  the  ears  of  the  Lord  of  sabaoth.”f 
The  prayers  of  the  people  of  God  have  been  answered. 
The  long,  honourable,  and  persevering  labours  and 
exertions  of  the  opposers  of  this  inhuman  trade,  have 
at  length  been  crowned  with  success. J By  three 
great  nations,  who  have  had  the  deepest  share  in  it,  it 
lias  been,  within  a short  period,  by  law  abolished. 

Who  can  calculate  the  blessed  effects,  which  these 
measures  will  gradually  and  ultimately  produce 
They  immediately  check  the  progress  of  a mighty 
and  threatening  evil.  They  will  meliorate  the  con- 
dition of  those,  who  are  now,  and  who  must  remain, 
in  slavery.  They  will  tend  to  prevent  wars,  and 
promote  harmony  among  the  African  tribes.  They 
w ill  lead  good  men  to  devise  and  execute  plans  for  the 
commercial,  moral,  and  religious  benefit  of  these  in- 
jured people,  wherever  residing,  whether  in  their  na- 
tive, or  in  a foreign  country. 1 And  what  is  more  thati 
all  the  rest,  they  tend  to  prevent  the  wrath  of  Heaven 
from  being  poured  out  on  millions  involved  in  the 
guilt  of  this  traffic.  These  are  the  measures,  our  Af- 

* Not^S  on  Virginia,  p.  272,  Eng.  Edition, 
t James  v.  4.  $ See  Note  (C.)  § See  Note  (D.)  See  Note  (E.) 


14 


rican  friends,  which  this  day  fill  your  hearts  with  joy 
and  gladness.  If  they  do  not  not  accomplish  all  that 
your  sympathizing  hearts  could  wish,  for  those  of 
your  brethren  now  in  bondage  ; yet  they . will  do 
much  even  for  them  ; and  they  will  prevent  thou- 
sands now  living  in  your  native  Africa,  and  millions 
yet  unborn,  from  being  cruelly  plunged  into  that  ser- 
vitude, from  which  you  have  been  emancipated,  and 
in  which  such  unnumbered  multitudes  of  your  race 
and  colour  are  still  involved. 

But  shall  Africans  alone  be  found  giving  thanks 
to  God  for  these  great  events  ? Are  they  more 
interested  in  them  than  the  White  inhabitants 
of  our  country?  No,  surely.  “Lo,  oh  Lord, 
we  have  sinned,  and  have  done  wickedly  ; but 
these  sheep,  what  have  they  done?”*  Yet  they  arc 
leading  the  way  in  those  religious  exercises,  in  which 
we  should  have  set  them  the  example.  Will  not  he, 
who  was  “ anointed  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives, ” 
ask — (if  we  may  be  allowed  thus  to  accommodate  the 
passage,)  “ Were  there  not  ten  lepers  cleansed?  but 
where  are  the  nine  ? There  were  not  found  that  re- 
turned to  give  glory  to  God,  save  this  stranger .”f 

But  we  are  now  to  contemplate  a far  more  interest- 
ing picture ; a slavery  of  vastly  deeper  misery ; a free- 
dom of  infinitely  richer  value.  The  slavery  of  sin  is 
beyond  all  comparison  worse  than  any  conceivable 
state  of  earthly  bondage ; the  freedom  from  it,  which 
Christ  bestows,  is  unspeakably  superior  to  what  the 
greatest  earthly  potentate  can  confer.  In  this  slavery, 
not  here  and  there  an  individual  only,  not  the  crimin- 
als, who  fill  our  prisons,  nor  an  unfortunate,  subjuga- 

* 2 Sam.  xxiv.  17.  f Luke  xvii.  17,  18. 


15 


ted  nation  only,  are  involved  ; but  the  whole  race  of 
Adam.  This  slavery,  which  I shall  not  attempt  mi- 
nutely to  describe,  essentially  consists  in  the  dominion 
of  sin  and  Satan  in  the  soul ; or  that  alienation  from 
God,  and  opposition  of  heart  to  him  and  his  govern- 
ment, which  possess  the  bosom  of  every  impenitent 
sinner.  It  is  a property  of  this  slavery,  that  its  mis- 
eries are  generally  but  slightly  felt,  and  its  dangers  lit- 
tle regarded  in  this  life.  Sinners,  till  awakened  by 
the  Divine  Spirit,  love  their  sins,  and  hug  their 
chains.  They  are  the  willing  and  cheerful  servants  of 
Satan.  It  is  their  delight  to  do  his  will.  But  let  the 
veil  be  once  taken  from  their  eyes ; give  them  a full 
view  of  their  character  and  danger  ; let  “ the  arrows  of 
the  Almighty  be  within  them,  and  the  poison  thereof 
drink  up  their  spirit ; and  the  terrors  of  the  Lord  set 
themselves  in  array  against  them  then  will  they  per- 
ceive and  feel  the  misery  of  their  bondage,  and  sigh  for 
freedom.  Then  will  the  voice  of  Christ,  which  calls 
them  to  liberty  and  life,  be  listened  to  with  eager- 
ness. They  will  feel,  that  if  the  Son  of  God  will  but 
make  them  free,  they  shall  be  free  indeed. 

Let  us  dwell  a moment  on  the  blessedness  and  joys  of 
this  freedom.  Over  the  happy  subjects  of  it,  sin  has  no 
longer  dominion.  Freed  from  sin,  they  have  become 
the  servants  of  righteousness.  Satan  no  longer  leads 
them  captive  at  his  will.  Being  purified  from  dead 
works  to  serve  the  living  God,  conscience  has  ceased 
to  be  the  enemy  of  their  peace.  Being  redeemed  from 
the  curse  of  the  law,  by  the  precious  blood  of  Christ, 
they  are  delivered  from  the  fears  of  hell.  From  these 
immense,  overwhelming  evils,  are  they  liberated. 

* Job  vt.  4 


16 


But  the  freedom,  which  Christ  confers,  includes  pos- 
itive privileges,  and  substantial  delight.  On  this  side 
heaven  its  happy  subjects  enjoy  communion  with  God ; 
calm  serenity  of  soul ; peace,  which  the  world  can 
neither  give  nor  take  away  ; joy,  that  passetb  all  under- 
standing ; comfort  in  all  their  afflictions  ; victory  over 
all  utheir  spiritual  enemies ; the  hope  of  the  gospel, 
which  is  full  of  immortality.  Fearless  and  undismay- 
ed, they  can  meet  death  in  its  most  ghastly  forms, 
and  anticipate  the  awful,  delightful  period,  when  “ the 
day  of  God  shall  come,  in  which  the  heavens  being  on 
fire  shall  be  dissolved,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with 
fervent  heat:”  “When  the  archangel  shall  lift  his  hand 
and  swear,  by  him  who  liveth  forever  and  ever,  that 
time  shall  be  no  longer.”  Such  are  the  privileges  of 
those  whom  Christ  maketh  free,  while  they  are  inhab- 
itants of  this  world. 

But  who  can  conceive  their  joys  in  heaven  ? The 
inspired  writers  thus  describe  them  : “ The  ran- 

somed of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to  Zion 
with  songs,  and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads; 
they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and  sorrow  and 
sighing  shall  flee  away.”*  They  shall  “ come  to 
Mount  Zion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  the 
heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an  innumerable  company 
of  angels,  to  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the 
first-born,  which  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God 
the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect,  and  to  Jesus  the  Mediator  of  the  new  cove- 
nant.”! “ They  are  before  the  throne  of  God,  and 
serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple : and  he  that 
sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among  them*  They 

* Isa.  xsxv.  10.  J Heb.  *ii.  22,  23,  24. 


17 


shall  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more,  neith- 
er shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the 
Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne,  shall  feed 
them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of  wa- 
ters : and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes.”* 

Such  are  the  joys  of  civil  freedom ; such  the  joys  of 
that  which  is  spiritual  and  eternal.  The  former  is  to 
be  valued  among  the  first  of  earthly  blessings  ; the  lat- 
ter, as  the  richest  gift  in  the  treasury  of  heaven. 
While,  therefore,  we  rejoice  in  the  momentous  events 
which  we  this  day  celebrate,  shall  we  not  much  more 
rejoice  in  the  hope  and  prospect,  that  these  events  will 
prepare  the  way  for  the  extensive  spread  of  the  glori- 
ous gospel  among  the  African  tribes,  by  whifih  thou- 
sands, who  are  now  in  captivity  to  sin  and  Satan,  shall 
be  made  free  indeed  ? 

You,  who  have  invited  us  to  join  you  in  this  joyful 
celebration,  will  this  day  recollect,  with  gratitude,  the 
constitution  of  this  commonwealth,  which  declares  vou 
freemen.  Under  many  unavoidable  disadvantages, 
you  have  experienced  the  blessings  of  liberty  in  such 
measure,  as  to  make  you  sensible  to  the  miseries  of 
your  brethren  in  slavery,  and  to  rejoice  in  their  eman- 
cipation. We  commend  your  sympathy.  We  heart- 
ily join  in  your  expressions  of  joy  and  gratitude  to  the 
Author  of  ali  good.  But  while  contemplating  the 
evils  of  slavery,  we  would  not  overlook  the  benefits, 
which  that  great  and  wise  Being,  who  bringeth  good 
out  of  evil,  hath  educed  from  it  to  the  sufferers.  Mul- 
titudes, by  wicked  hands  indeed,  brought  from  the 
darkness  of  paganism,  to  a Christian  land,  and  sub- 
C 

* Rev.  vii.  15,  16,  If, 


18 


jected  to  bondage  in  its  most  cruel  forms,  have  had 
conferred  on  them  by  the  Son  of  God  a freedom, 
which  infinitely  overbalances  all  their  sufferings. 
Some  who  hear  me,  I doubt  not,  can  witness  to  the 
truth  of  what  I- have  now  said.  As  heaven  is  to  be 
peopled  by  some  out  of  all  nations  and  languages  under 
heaven,  and  probably  some  of  every  generation  in  each 
nation,  it  is  remarkable,  that  while  Africa  lay  envelop- 
ed in  heathenish  and  Mahometan  darkness,  those  who 
were  to  be  made  free  in  Christ,  were  brought,  (though 
by  the  instrumentality  of  wicked  men)  to  the  light 
of  his  gospel,  in  Christian  countries.  But  since  the 
blessed  gospel  now  sheds  its  genial  influence  on  Afri- 
ca, by  the  preaching  of  the  missionaries  of  the  cross, 
its  natives  have  no  need  to  be  carried  to  foreign  lands, 
in  order  to  enjoy  its  light ; and  God  hath  shut  the 
door  against  their  further  transportation. 

Great  blessings,  pertaining  to  this  life,  you  also  enjoy, 
of  which  I hope  you  are  not  insensible.  Be  ambitious 
to  make  the  best  use  of  your  liberty  and  privileges. 
Make  them  not  a cloke  for  licentiousness.  Shew  to 
those  around  you,  that  you  are  worthy  to  be  free. 
Many  eyes  are  upon  you.  Some  doubtless  are  watch- 
ing for  your  halting.  Be  contented  in  the  humble  sta- 
tion in  which  providence  has  placed  you.  By  your 
decent,  respectful,  regular,  industrious,  quiet  behav- 
iour, authorize  your  friends  still  to  shew  themselves 
friendly.  You  know  how  deeply  interested  the  Speak- 
er feels,  in  whatever  concerns  your  honour  and  best 
happiness  in  both  worlds.  Be  particular!}'  on  your 
guard  against  excess  in  the  joys  and  festivities  of  this 
day.  Be  sober,  be  temperate,  be  pious ; so  will  you 
give  pleasure  to  your  friends,  and  silence  opposition 
from  your  enemies. 


19 


While  you  set  a just  estimate  on  the  liberty  you  en- 
joy,  in  this  free  country,  and  rejoice  in  the  agreeable 
prospects  of  your  brethren  in  Africa,  oh  forget  not  the 
freedom,  which  cometh  from  the  Son  of  God.  This 
is  now  offered  you.  It  is  precious  beyond  all  estima- 
tion. Civil  freedom,  and  all  its  attendant  blessings, 
will  avail  you  nothing  without  this.  Embrace  it  with- 
out delay.  Bid  an  everlasting  adieu  to  the  slavery  of 
sin  ; and  stand  fast  in  the  liberty  wherewith  the  Son 
of  God  makes  his  subjects  free.  In  his  heavenly  king- 
dom all  are  united  in  the  same  honourable  cause.  To 
them  there  is  neither  Greek  nor  Jew,  Barbarian, 
Scythian,  bond  nor  free  : but  are  all  one  in  Christ, 
who  is  all,  and  in  all.  They  are  one  in  heart ; en- 
gaged in  the  same  cause,  and  pursue  it,  animated  by 
one  spirit.  They  feel  how  good,  and  how  pleasant  it 
is  to  dwell  together  in  unity.  In  vain  the  adversary 
vents  his  impotent  rage  against  these  happy  sons  of 
freedom.  No  longer  has  he  dominion  over  them. 
As  you  love  true  freedom,  therefore,  be  persuaded  to 
quit  this  worst  species  of  slavery  ; enlist  under  the 
Captain  of  the  Lord’s  host ; under  his  banner  fight 
the  Christian  warfare  ; you  may  be  sure  of  victory  ; 
and  the  invaluable  liberty  of  the  children  of  God  shall 
be  your  rich  and  everlasting  reward.  For  whom 
the  Son  maketh  free,  shall  be  free  indeed.” 


AMEN. 


PRAYE  R. 


Altered from  the  Christian  Observer. 

O gracious  God,  who  lookest  down  from  heaven,  the  height  of  thy 
sanctuary,  to  hear  the  groaning  of  the  prisoner,  and  to  loose  those  that 
were  appointed  to  death  ; we  give  thee  hearty  thanks  that  it  has  at  length 
pleased  thee  to  put  a stop  to  the  slave  trade,  the  miseries  of  which  have 
so  long  oppressed  Africa,  and  the  sin  of  which  has  so  loudly  cried  to  thee 
for  vengeance  upon  Europe.  Thou  delightest  in  exercising  loving  kind- 
ness,  righteousness,  and  judgment;  and  blessed  be  thy  name  for  that 
spirit  of  benevolence,  which  thou  hast  implanted  in  the  hearts  of  munvj 
leading  them  to  relieve  the  oppressed  ; that  sense  of  right  which  has 
been  awakened  in  our  land  ; and  that  regard  to  justice  which  has  led  us 
to  do  to  others  in  this  instance,  as  we  wish  that  they  should  do  unto  us. 
Cherish  and  prosper,  O Lord,  the  good  work  wljch,  we  trust,  thou  hast 
begun  Pardon  our  accumulated  and  dreadful  guilt,  and  enable  us  to  re- 
pay to  Africa  that  heavy  debt  which  we  have  incurred  by  the  wrongs 
we  have  done  unto  her.  May  our  vessels  now'  sail  under  thy  protection, 
to  bear  thither,  with  a guiltless  commerce,  the  blessings  of  peace  and 
civilization,  and  the  glad  tidings  of  the  gospel  of  thv  Son.  Give  thy 
blessing  to  the  endeavours  used  to  promote  this  good  purpose,  whether 
by  individuals  or  societies.  May  their  plans  be  formed  with  wisdom, 
executed  with  sound  discretion  and  persevering  zeal,  and  crowned  by 
thee  with  signal  success.  Hasten  the  time,  O Lord,  when  the  Morian’s 
land  shall  stretch  out  her  hands  unto  thee.  Pour  down  thy  blessing  al- 
so we  pray  thee  on  the  southern  states  in  the  union,  and  may  a spirit  of 
justice  and  equity,  of  mercy  and  Christian  charity  mitigate,  and  at 
length  put  an  end  to  the  bondage  which  still  subsists  there.  Extend 
thy  kindness  to  the  other  parts  of  our  land,  and  may  the  light  of  thv 
truth,  and  the  influence  of  thy  peace  and  love,  prevail  mere  and  more 
among  all  classes  of  its  inhabitants.'  Put  a stop  to  the  ravages  of  war; 
disappoint  the  plans  of  ambitious  and  violent  men  ; and  may  peace  and 
happiness,  religion  and  piety,' every  where  abound.  Visit  with  the  light 
of  thy  gospel  the  nations  which  yet  lie  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of 
death.  May  idolatry,  superstition,  and  impiety  be  banished  from  the 
face  of  the  globe,  and  the  earth  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

Bless,  O Lord,  the  President  of  the  United  State  ?.  Direct  and  pros- 
per  all  the  consultations  of  our  rulers  to  the  advancement  of  thy  glory, 
the  good  of  thy  church,  the  safety,  honour,  and  w elfare  of  our  country. 
And  may  every  person  through  our  land  labour  in  his  station  to  promote 
the  good  of  his  fellow  creatures  and  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 

Finally,  we  pray  thee  to  accept  our  unfeigned  thanks  for  all  the  va- 
rious privileges  and  mercies,  civil  and  religious,  which  we  enjoy.  We 
bless  thee  that  we  have  lived  in  a day  when  the  cause  of  humanity  and 
justice  has  so  signally  triumphed.  Let  it  be  the  beginning  of  a new  era 
in  the  world,  when  tyranny  and  oppression  shall  every  where  cease,  and, 
righteousness  and  peace  be  established  throughout  the  earth.  Hear 
these  (Air  prayers,  we  humbly  beseech  thet&  most  merciful  Father,  in  the 
name  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our 'Lord.  Amen. 


NOTES. 


Note  (A.)  for  page  7- 

The  Abolition  of  the  British  slave  trade,  in  an  English  periodical 
publication  is  thus  announced : “ This  grand  measure,  so  long 

desired  by  the  friends  of  justice,  humanity,  and  religion,  and  which 
crowns  with  triumph  the  laborious  and  persevering  efforts  of  Mr  Wil- 
fferforee  and  others  for  many  years  past,  received  the  sanction  of  royal- 
ty on  March  25th,  1807  : a day  never  to  be  forgotten  in  the  annals  of 
this  free  country  ! While  we  most  sincerely  congratulate  our  readers 
on  this  important  event,  we  would  wish  to  direct  their  thoughts  to  the 
great  Ruler  of  the  world,  as  the  Author  of  every  blessing,  “from  whom 
all  holy  desires,  all  good  counsels,  and  all  just  works  do  proceed  and 
to  recommend  the  most  devout  acknowledgments  to  the  rather  of 
paercies.” 

THANKSGIVING. 

“ Many  serious  persons  having  expressed  a desire  that  a particular  day 
might  be  mentioned,  on  which  those  who  conceive  the  Abolition  of  the 
Slave  Trade  to  be  a national  blessing,  may  unite  their  praises  with 
those  of  their  fellow  Christians  in  all  parts  of  the  kingdom,  we  have  the 
pleasure  to  state,  that  it  has  been  agreed  by  some  very  respectable  per- 
sons,  ministers  and  others,  both  in  the  Established  Church  and  among 
various  other  denom  inations  of  Christians,  to  propose,  that,  on  the  frit, 
Lord's  day  of  fitne,  it  be  recommended  to  such  persons  to  offer  up 
to  God  their  hearty  thanks  for  this  glorious  event,  in  their  private  retire- 
ments, and  in  their  respective  families.  The  ministers  of  the  gospel 
will  use  their  discretion,  whether  to  take  notice  of  it  in  their  public  de- 
votions ; doubtless,  many,  of  various  descriptions,  will  think  it  a privi- 
lege so  to  do.”  [£>an.  Mag. 


Note  (B.)  for  page  8. 

“ I congratulate  you,  fellow  citizens,  on  the  approach  of  the  pe- 
riod at  which  you  may  interpose  your  authority,  constitutionally,  to 
withdraw  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  from  all  farther  participation 
in  those  violations  of  human  rights,  which  have  been  so  long  continued 
on  the  unoffending  inhabitants  of  Africa  ; and  which  the  morality,  the  repu- 
tation, and  the  best  interests  of  our  country  have  long  been  eager  to  pros- 
cribe.  Although  no  law  ion  may  pass  can  take  prohibitory  effect, 
till  the  first  day  of  the  year  1808  ; vet  the  intervening  period  is  not  too 
long  to  prevent,  by  timely  notice,  expeditions  which  cannot,  he  completed 
before  that  day.”  [President's  Message. 


NOTES. 


Note  (C.)  for  page  13. 

The  Christian  Observer,  for  February,  1837,  thus  announces  the  abe 

Jition  of  this  traffic  in  Great  Britain  : “ It  is  with  inexpressible  satis 

faction  that  we  announce  to  our  readers  the  issue  of  the  parliamentary 
discussions  on  the  bill  for  the  abolition  of  the  Slave  Trade,  which  have 
taken  place  during  the  course  of  the  present  month.  Thank  God  ! the 
brand  of  national  reprobation  is  at  lengh  stamped  on  this  monstrous 
system  of  legalized  iniquity.  The  final,  the  irreversible  doom  of  this 
guilty  commerce,  is  now,  we  trust,  pronounced. 

“The  bill  for  effecting  this  great  measure,  after  declaring  the  Slave 
Trade  to  be  “ contrary  to  justice,  humanity,  and  sound  policy,”  pro- 
ceeds to  enact,  that  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  May  next,  no  vessel 
shall  clear  out  from  any  port  or  place  under  the  dominion  of  his  Majes- 
ty, for  the  purpose  of  carrying  slaves  ; and  that  from  and  after  the  first 
of  January  next,  the  British  Slave  Trade  shall  cease,  both  op  the  coast 
of  Africa  and  in  the  West  Indies. 

“ In  the  House  of  Lords  this  bill  was  read  a second  time  on  the  5th 
instant,  on  which  occasion  it  received  the  able  and  zealous  support  of 
Lord  Grenville,  who  brought  it  in  ; and  who,  in  a most  eloquent  and  ad- 
mirable speech  of  near  three  hours,  laid  open  the  complicated  horrors 
of  this  detestable  system  ; — if  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  who,  on  this  ques- 
tion, has  pursued  a course  worthy  of  a descendant  of  the  House  of 
Brunswick  ; — of  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  the  Earl  of  Selkirk , the  Earl  ot 
Eosslyn,  Earl  Moira,  Lord  Hood,  and  Lord  Holland,  who  displayed,  par- 
ticularly the  last,  powers  of  reasoning,  and  a generous  warmth  of  feel- 
ing, which  justly  excited  the  admiration  of  the  House.  The  opponents  of 
this  grand  measure  of  justice  and  benevolence,  were  the  Duke  of  Cla- 
rence, the  Earl  of  Westm-oreland,  Earl  Morton,  Lord  Sidmouth,  Earl  St, 
Vincent,  and  Lord  Eldon.  On  the  division,  the  number  were,  for  the 
measure,  One  Hundred, — against  it,  Thirty-six.  In  its  subsequent 
stages,  the  bill  received  the  further  support  of  the  Bishop  of  London, 
Earl  Stanhope,  and  Earl  Lauderdale,  and  the  opposition  of  Lord  Hawies- 
bury  and  Lord  Eedesdale. 

“ In  the  House  of  Commons  the  principle  of  the  bill  was  debated  on 
the  23d  inst.  when  it  obtained  the  sanction  of  that  House,  by  a majority 
so  large,  as  to  be  quite  decisive  of  its  fate.  The  numbers  were,  for  the 
measure,  Two  Hundred  and  Eighty  three, — against  it. 
Sixteen  J ! ! 

“ The  debate  was  opened  on  this  occasion  by  Lord  Ho  wick,  who  with 
his  usual  ability  pressed  the  adoption  of  the  Bill  on  the  ground  of  justice 
and  humanity  ; but  with  a view  of  meeting  objections,  and  quieting  the 
fears  of  our  colonists,  he  dwelt  chiefly  on  the  policy  and  prudence  of  the 
measure.  His  Lordship  touched  on  the  conformity  of  the  proposed 
enactment  with  the  general  spirit,  and  with  the  great  precepts  of  the  gos- 
pel. Mr.  Fawkes,  the  member  for  Yorkshire,  in  a forcible  speech,  main-. 


NOTE  S. 


22 


tained  the  same  side.  He  particularly  urged  the  absurdity  of  supposing 
that  the  character  of  the  Saviour  of  sinners”  could  be  in  any  accordance 
with  that  of  the  cruel  and  profligate  slave  trader.  Sir  John  Doyle  em- 
ployed the  weapon  of  wit  in  exposing  the  weak  pretences  of  the  oppo- 
nents of  this  measure.  He  apologized  for  having  degraded  the  profes- 
sion of  a highwayman  by  a comparison,  which  he  had  found  it  convenient, 
for  the  sake  of  illustration,  to  institute  between  that  class  of  men  and 
the  man-merchants  of  Liverpool.  In  one  part  of  his  speech  he  excit- 
ed the  horror  and  indignation  of  the  House  by  a relation  of  some  cruel- 
ties of  which  he  had  himself  been  an  eye  witness.  Mr.  Roscoe,  one  of 
the  Members  of  Liverpool,  endeavoured  to  vindicate  a large  part  of  his 
constituents  from  any  participation  in  this  trade  of  blood.  But  the  most 
interesting  speech  on  the  subject  was  that  of  the  Solicitor  General,  Sir 
S.  Romilly,  u’ho  ablv  and  clearly  exposed  the  unmitigated,  as  well  as 
unprecedented  severity  of  our  West  Indian  system,  and  urged  the  Abo- 
lition, as  the  only  means  of  gradually  rectifying  its  enormous  evils.  A 
contrast  which  he  drew,  towards  the  conclusion  of  his  speech,  between 
the  character  of  Bonaparte’s  mind,  and  that  of  the  beneficent  author  of 
this  measure,  now  happily  arriving  at  the  height  of  his  ambition,  pro’i' 
duced  an  almost  electric  eflect  on  the  feelings  of  the  House.  Mr.  Wil- 
bcrfurce  closed  the  debate  with  his  usual  eloquence.  #Hc  was  peculiarly 
animated  when  he  spoke  of  the  elevation  of  mind,  and  soundness  of  prin- 
ciple, which  had  been  shewn  in  this  debate,  by  the  younger  Members  of 
the  House,  and  particularly  by  the  young  nobility — (Lord  Mahon,  Lord 
Milton,  Lord  Percy,  and  Mr.  Lushington,  had  all  spoken  with  much 
feeling  on  the  subject.)  Indeed  the  pleasure  which  we  derive  from  the 
contemplation  of  these  discussions,  in  both  Houses,  is  greatly  increased 
by  the  general  recognition  of  Christian  principles,  which  we  witnessed  in 
almost  all  the  speakers  in  favour  of  the  question. 

“Nor  is  it  a circumstance  to  be  overlooked,  that  these  debates,  so  satis- 
factory from  their  result,  as  well  as  from  the  high  tone  of  moral  and  reli- 
gious feelings,  which  have  distinguished  them,  should  have  occurred  pre- 
viously to  the  day  appointed  for  national  humiliation.  Now  indeed  may 
we  indulge  the  hope  that  God  will  regard  our  fasts  : for  is  not  this  the 
fast  that  he  has  chosen  .-  “ To  loose  the  bands  of  wickedness,  to  undo 
the  heavy  burden,  to  let  the  oppressed  go  free,  and  that  ye  break  every 
yoke  ?” 

“ It  is  almost  superfluous  to  remind  our  readers,  that  our  thanks  on  this 
occasion  are  due,  in  an  especial  manner,  to  the  great  Author  of  all  good, 
who,  in  mercy  to  our  land,  has  inclined  the  hearts  of  our  rulers  to  this 
splendid  act  of  justice  and  benevolence.  And  we  trust,  that,  when  the 
measure  shall  have  finally  passed,  all  those  throughout  the  empire,  whose 
feelings  on  this  subject  are  in  unison  with  our  own,  will  concur  in  setting 
apart  a day  for  the  purpose  of  expressing,  in  a distinct  and  appropriate 
manner,  their  grateful  acknowledgments  for  this  blessed,  this  glorious 
event. 


24 


NOTES. 


“Let  us  not  forget,  at  the  same  time,  our  obligations  to  those  who  have 
been  instrumental  in  forwarding  this  great  measure  ; to  the  administra- 
tion under  whose  auspices  it  has  been  consummated  ; to  those  patriotic 
individuals  who  have  laboured  for  twenty  years  in  revealing,  in  all  its 
dreadful  pre-eminence  of  guilt  and  misery,  that  monster,  which  the  legis- 
lature has  at  length  consented  to  crush  ; and  above  them  all,  to  that  dis- 
tinguished person*  who  has  taken  the  lead  in  this  labour  of  love,  and  who, 
during  the  whole  of  his  political  life,  has  devoted  talents  which  might  have 
adorned  any  station  however  elevated,  and  which  might  have  secured  to 
him  almost  the  highest  objects  of  human  ambition,  to  the  achievement  of 
this  magnificent  work  of  beneficence  and  mercy.  But  he  has  his  reward. 
His  grateful  country  will  enrol  him  among  her  best  benefactors.  Africa 
will  learn  to  recognize  in  him  her  deliverer  from  bondage,  degradation, 
and  blood.  Millions  on  millions  yet  unborn  will  hail  his  name  with  joyful 
acclamations.  His  own  recollections  will  prove  a source  of  pure  enjoy- 
ment, in  which  the  happiest  of  mortals  might  long  to  participate.  And 
that  gracious  Being,  who  has  declared,  that  even  a cup  of  cold  water  giv. 
en  in  his  name  sir  all  be  rewarded,  will  not  fail  to  repay,  a thousand  fold 
into  his  bosom,  the  blessings  which  he  has  been  the  instrument  of  dis- 
pensing with  so  large  a hand  to  others.” 

• 


Note  (D.)  for  page  13. 

In  respect  to  the  Africans  still  in  slavery,  we  hold  it  our  duty,  as  Chris- 
tians, to  treat  them  now,  as  they  were  treated  by  the  apostles,  in  the  first 
ages  of  Christianity  ; let  them  remain  as  they  are,  and  make  their  condi- 
tion in  that  state  as  comfortable  and  happy,  as  possible.  The  following 
sentiments  of  Mr.  Paley  on  this  point,  I deem  correct  and  excellent. 

“ Slavery  was  a part  of  the  civil  constitution  of  most  countries,  when 
Christianity  appeared  ; yet  no  passage  is  to  be  found  in  the  Christian 
scriptures',  by  which  it  is  condemned  or  prohibited.  This  is  true  ; for 
Christianity,  soliciting  admission  into  all  nations  of  the  world,  abstained, 
as  behoved  it,  froirrintermeddling  with  the  civil  institutions  of  any.  But 
does  it  follow,  from  the  silence  of  scripture  concerning  them,  that  all  the 
civil  institutions  which  then  prevailed,  were  right  ? or  that  the  bad 
should  not  be  exchanged  for  better  i 

“Beside  this,  the  discharging  of  slaves  Irom  all  obligation  to  obey  their 
masters,  which  is  the  consequence  of  pronouncing  slavery  to  be  unlawful, 
would  have  had  no  better  eff  ect,  than  to  let  loose  one  half  of  mankind  up- 
on the  other.  Slaves  would  have  been  tempted  to  embrace  a religion, 
which  asserted  their  right  to  freedom.  Masters  would  hardly  have  been 
persuaded  to  consent  to  claims  founded  upon  such  authority.  The  most 
calamitous  of  all  contests,  a belhrni  servile,  might  probably  have  ensued, 
to  the  reproach,  if  not  the  extinction  of  the  Christian  name. 

* Mr.  WlLEERFORCE. 


NOTES. 


25 


“ The  truth  is,  the  emancipation  of  slaves  should  be  gradual ; and  be 
carried  on  by  provisions  of  law,  and  under  the  protection  of  civil  govern- 
ment. Christianity,  can  only  operate  as  an  alterative.  By  the  mild  diffu- 
sion of  its  light  and  influence,  the  minds  of  men  are  insensibly  prepared 
to  perceive  and  correct  the  enormities,  which  folly,  or  wickedness,  or  ac- 
cident, have  introduced  into  their  public  establishments.  In  this  way 
the  Greek  and  Roman  slavery,  and  since  these,  the  feudal  tyranny,  has  de- 
clined before  it.  And  we  trust  that,  as  the  knowledge  and  authority  of 
the  same  religion  advance  in  the  world,  they  will  banish  what  remains  of 
this  odious  institution.”  [ Paley's  Phil.  Art.  Slavery. 


Note  (E.)  for  page  13. 

Immediately  after  the  Abolition  Act  had  passed  in  England,  a number 
of  its  most  active  and  influential  advocates  associated  for  the  purpose  of 
prosecuting  their  work  of  benevolence,  under  the  name  of  the  African 
Institution,  governed  by  the  following 

“ Rules  and  Regulations. 

“The  general  objects  of  the  Institution  are  expressed  in  the  following 
Resolutions  adopted  at  the  first  meeting  of  this  Society,  on  the  14th  of 
April,  1807,  viz. 

1.  “ That  this  meeting  is  deeply  impressed  with  a sense  of  the  enor- 
mous wrongs,  which  the  natives  of  Africa  have  suffered  in  their  inter- 
course with  Europe  ; and  from  a desire  to  repair  those  wrongs,  as  well  as 
from  general  feelings  of  benevolence,  is  anxious  to  adopt  such  measures, 
as  are  best  calculated  to  promote  their  civilization  and  happiness. 

2.  “ That  the  approaching  cessation  of  the  Slave  Trade  hitherto  car- 
ried on  by  Great  Britain,  America,  and  Denmark,  will,  in  a considerable 
degree,  remove  the  barrier  which  has  so  long  obstructed  the  natural 
course  of  social  improvement  in  Africa  ; and  that  the  way  will  be  thereby 
opened  for  introducing  the  comforts  and  arts  of  a more  civilized  state  of 
society. 

3.  “ That  the  happiest  effects  may  be  reasonably  anticipated  from  dif- 
fusing useful  knowledge,  and  exciting  industry  among  the  inhabitants  of 
Africa,  and  from  obtaining  and  circulating  throughout  this  country  more 
ample  and  authentic  information  concerning  the  agricultural  and  com- 
mercial faculties  of  that  vast  continent ; and  that  through  the  judicious 
prosecution  of  these  benevolent  endeavours,  we  may  ultimately  look  for- 
ward to  the  establishment,  in  the  room  of  that  traffic,  by  which  Africa 
has  been  so  long  degraded,  of  a legitimate  and  far  more  extended  com- 
merce, beneficial  alike  to  the  natives  of  Africa,  and  to  the  manufacturers 
of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 

4.  “ That  the  present  period  is  eminently  fitted  for  prosecuting  these 
benevolent  designs  ; since  the  suspension,  during  the  war,  of  that  large 
share  of  the  Slave  Trade,  which  has  commonly  been  carried  on  by 

D 


6 


NOTES. 


France,  Spain,  and  Holland,  will,  when  combined  with  the  effect  of  th» 
Abolition  Laws  of  Great  Britain,  America,  and  Denmark,  produce  near- 
ly the  entire  cessation  of  that  traffic  along  a line  of  coast  extending  be- 
tween two  and  three  thousand  miles  in  length,  and  thereby  afford  a pecu- 
liarly favourable  opportunity  forgiving  anew  direction  to  the  industry  and 
commerce  of  Africa. 

5.  “ That  for  these  purposes  a Society  be  immediately  formed  to  be 

called 

THE  AFRICAN  INSTITUTION.’' 


Means  of  effecting  the  Objects  of  the  Institution. 

“To  prevent  misconception  concerning  the  views  and  measures  of  the 
African  Institution,  it  may  be  proper  in  the  very  first  instance  to  declare* 
that  it  is  the  Society’s  fixed  determination  not  to  undertake  any  religious 
missions,  and  not  to  engage  in  commercial  speculations.  The  Society  is 
aware  that  there  already  exist  several  most  respectable  Institutions 
formed  for  the . diffusion  of  Christianity,  and  means  not  to  encroach  on 
t,heir  province.  It  may  also  be  proper  to  premise,  that  it  will  naturally 
become  the  duty  and  care  of  this  Society,  to  watch  over  the  execution  of 
the  laws,  recently  enacted  in  this  and  other  countries,  for  abolishing  the 
African  Slave  Trade  ; to  endeavour  to  prevent  the  infraction  of  those 
laws  ; and  from  time  to  time  to  suggest  any  means  by  which  they  may  be 
rendered  more  effectual  to  their  objects  ; and  likewise  to  endeavour,  by 
communicating  information,  and  by  other  appropriate  methods,  to  pro- 
mote the  Abolition  of  the  African  Slave  Trade  by  foreign  powers. 

“The  means  which  it  is  proposed  to  employ  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
moting civilization  and  improvement  in  Africa  are  of  the  following  kind. 

1.  “ To  collect  and  diffuse,  throughout  this  country,  accurate  infor- 
mation respecting  the  natural  productions  of  Africa,  and,  in  general, 
respecting  the  agricultural  and  commercial  capacities  of  the  African 
Continent,  and  the  intellectual,  moral,  and  political  condition  of  its  in- 
habitants. 

2.  “ To  promote  the  instruction  of  the  Africans  in  letters  and  in  use- 
ful knowledge,  and  to  cultivate  a friendly  connexion  with  the  natives  of 
that  Continent. 

3.  “To  endeavour  to  enlighten  the  minds  of  the  Africans  with  re- 
spect to  their  true  interests  ; and  to  diffuse  information  amongst  them 
respecting  the  means  whereby  they  may  improve  the  present  opportuni- 
ty of  substituting  a beneficial  commerce  in  place  of  the  slave  trade. 

4.  “ To  introduce  amongst  them  such  of  the  improvements  and  useful 
arts  of  Europe  as  are  suited  to  their  condition. 

5.  “ To  promote  the  cultivation  of  the  African  soil,  not  only  by  ex- 
citing and  directing  the  industry  of  the  natives,  but  by  furnishing,  where 
it  may  appear  advantageous  to  do  so,  useful  seeds  and  plants,  and  im- 
plements of  husbandry. 


HYMN. 


6.  “To  introduce  amongst  the  inhabitants  beneficial  medical  dis. 
coveries. 

7.  “ To  obtain  a knowledge  of  the  principal  languages  of  Africa, 
and,  as  has  already  been  found  to  be  practicable,  to  reduce  them  to 
writing,  with  a view  to  facilitate  the  diffusion  of  information  among  the 
natives  of  that  country. 

8.  “ To  employ  suitable  agents  and  to  establish  correspondences  as 
shall  appear  advisable,  and  to  encourage  and  reward  individual  enter- 
prize  and  exertion  in  promoting  any  of  the  purposes  of  the  Institution.” 

ftj"  Might  not  similar  Institutions  be  established  to  advantage  in 
some  of  the  principal  cities  in  the  United  States  1 


I. 


HARK  ! for  ’tis  God’s  own  Son  that  calls 
To  life  and  liberty  ; 


Transported  fall  before  his  feet, 
Who  makes  the  prisoners  free. 


II. 


The  cruel  bonds  of  sin  he  breaks, 
And  breaks  old  Satan’s  chain  ; 


Smiling  he  deals  those  pardons  round, 
Which  free  from  endless  pain. 


III. 


Into  the  captive  heart  he  pours 
His  Spirit  from  on  high  ; 


We  lose  the  terrors  of  the  slave, 
And  / ibba , Father,  cry. 


IV. 


Shake  off  your  bonds,  and  sing  his  grace  ; 
The  sinner’s  Friend  proclaim; 


And  call  on  all  around  to  seek 
True  freedom  by  his  name. 


V. 


Walk  on  at  large,  till  you  attain 
Your  Father’s  house  above  : 


There  shall  you  wear  immortal  crowns, 
And  sing  immortal  love. 


H Y M N. 


28 


fbjnmi. 

I. 

TO  Thee,  Almighty,  gracious  power, 
Who  sit’st,  enthron’d,  in  radiant  heaven. 

On  this  bless’d  mom,  this  hallow’d  hour, 
The  homage  of  the  heart  be  given  ! 

II. 

Lift  up  your  souls  to  God  on  high. 

The  fountain  of  eternal  grace, 

Who  with  a tender  father’s  eye 

Look’d  down  on  A friers  helpless  race  I 

III. 

The  nations  heard  his  stern  commands  l 
Britannia  kindly  sets  us  free  ; 

Columbia  tears  the  galling  bands, 

And  gives  the  sweets  of  Liberty. 

IV. 

Then  strike  the  lyre  : — your  voices  raise  5 
Let  gratitude  inspire  your  song  -T 

Pursue  religion’s  holy  ways, 

Shun  sinful  pleasure’s  eiddy  throng. 

V. 

From  Mercy’s  Seat  may  grace  descend. 
To  wake  contrition’s  heart-felt  sighs  ; 

O ! may  our  pious  strains  ascend 
Where  ne’er  the  sainted  spirit  dies. 

VI. 

Then,  we  our  freedom  shall  retain, 

In  peace,  and  love,  and  cheerful  toil. 

Plenty  shall  flow  from  the  wide  main, 

And  golden  harvests  from  the  soil. 

VII. 

Ye  nations  that  to  us  restore 
The  rights  that  God  bestow’d  on  all 

For  you  his  blessing  we  implore  ; 

Q ! listen  further  to  his  call. 

VIII. 

From  one  parental  stem  ye  spring, 

A kindred  blood  your  bosoms  own. 

Your  kindred  tongues  God’s  praises  sing, 
And  beg  forgiveness  at  his  throne. 

IX. 

O ! then  your  mutual  wrongs  forgive, 
Unlock  your  hearts  to  social  love, 

So  shall  ye  safe  and  happy  live, 

By  grace  and  blessings  from  above. 


